CNH MTM0130 Material Test Methods - Continuous Heat Resistance, Paint Materials on Plastics

The “CNH MTM0130 Materials testing methods - Continuous heat resistance, paint materials on plastics” standard, developed by CNH, an American-Italian multinational company , describes a test method for evaluating the ability of a cured paint material film on plastic parts to resist degradation due to prolonged exposure to high heat. This method can also be used to assess the effect of high heat exposure on the surface appearance of integrated colored plastic materials.

This test method may involve hazardous materials, devices, and procedures. This test method is not intended to address all safety issues associated with its use or application. It is the user's responsibility to consult appropriate, established safety or health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

The testing process is as follows:

• A representative area of ​​the test sample is selected. The test area should be a smooth, continuous surface free of signs of poor film formation, sagging, solvent bursts, pinholes, or similar.
• The hardness of the test sample paint film is measured to determine the initial hardness prior to any harmful environmental exposure. Hardness and adhesion testing procedures are not required for integrally colored plastic materials.
• The surface of the test specimen is visually inspected to identify any scratch marks, blemishes, or other surface defects. These should be noted prior to exposure to the test conditions. All waxes, oils, or other residue should be removed before testing using a cloth dampened with a warm soapy solution or organic solvent cleaner that is not harmful to the paint material.
• To create a test grid for adhesion testing, the test sample is scored as described in the CNH MTM0120 standard.
• The test sample is placed in a preheated oven. The sample should be exposed to heat for 96 hours at 85°C plus/minus 1°C.
• The test sample is removed from the oven. The test sample is allowed to rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
• The sample surface is visually inspected and any discoloration, blistering, or other deterioration is noted. The sample condition is recorded.
• The hardness of the test sample paint film is measured.
• The adhesion of the test sample paint film is evaluated as described in the CNH MTM0120 standard.
• Plastic parts designated for high-temperature exposure when installed in units are defined in the CNH MAT0105 standard. Paint materials applied to high-temperature parts must be tested at higher temperatures for approval. The above steps are performed at a heat exposure temperature of 110 degrees Celsius plus/minus 1 degree Celsius.

This test method can be extended to 192 hours to evaluate new technology or compare paint material application processes. Samples are evaluated in two consecutive 96-hour cycles as needed. One cycle includes 94 hours of heat exposure and a 2-hour rest for stabilization. Visual inspection, hardness, and adhesion tests described in this test method are performed after each cycle. All data are recorded by identifying cumulative cycle times to allow comparison of test samples.

In short, the CNH MTM0130 test method covers procedures for evaluating the chemical resistance of materials, particularly polymeric components such as plastics, rubbers, and elastomers used in machinery. It ensures that materials maintain their structural integrity and performance when exposed to chemicals under real-world conditions.

After exposure, samples are evaluated according to:

• Dimensional changes (swelling or shrinkage)
• Hardness (Shore A or Shore D)
• Tensile strength or elongation
• Visual inspection (cracking, discoloration, blistering)
• weight change

Results are compared with unexposed control samples to determine material degradation.

The CNH MTM0130 standard is primarily used for:

• To evaluate the resistance of materials to various automotive and agricultural fluids.
• Verify the suitability of materials in harsh chemical environments.
• To assess material deterioration such as swelling, cracking, softening, discoloration, or mechanical failure after chemical exposure.
• Supporting material selection in the design and development of CNH industrial products.

This test method is applicable to components typically used in:

• Engine compartments
• Fuel systems
• Hydraulic lines
• Cabin interiors
• Exterior floors

Materials tested include thermoplastics (such as PA, PP, ABS), elastomers (EPDM, NBR) and coatings or composites.

Typical chemicals tested under this standard include:

• Diesel fuel (B0, B20)
• Biodiesel
• Hydraulic oil (ISO VG 46 standard)
• Urea (DEF)
• Brake fluid (DOT 3, DOT 4)
• Coolants (ethylene glycol based)
• Transmission oils
• Windshield washer fluid

The CNH MTM0130 materials test method is important for critical reasons, particularly in the context of agricultural and construction machinery, where equipment is regularly exposed to harsh operating environments and aggressive chemicals. This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Ensures chemical resistance: This standard evaluates how materials (e.g., plastics, rubbers, coatings) respond to exposure to real-world chemicals such as diesel fuel, DEF (urea), hydraulic oil, and coolants. These fluids are commonly used in CNH machinery and can degrade materials over time. This test method ensures that selected materials are resistant to degradation such as cracking, swelling, softening, loss of strength, and discoloration.
• Prevents field failures: Agricultural and construction machinery often operates in harsh environments for long hours. If a component made of an incompatible material fails due to chemical attack, it can cause:
  • Equipment failures
  • Hydraulic or fuel leaks
  • Security hazards
  • Expensive repairs and downtime

This standard helps prevent such problems by ensuring material compatibility before parts enter service.

• Supports product longevity and reliability: This standard helps predict long-term durability by screening materials under accelerated aging conditions. This contributes to:
  • Fewer warranty claims
  • Higher customer satisfaction
  • Extended service life of equipment
• Facilitates informed material selection: Designers and engineers rely on the CNH MTM0130 standard to compare materials from different suppliers or grades. It provides quantitative and visual data that guides material selection based on performance in chemical environments.
• Ensures supplier quality and consistency: Suppliers must adhere to this testing method to verify their materials. This ensures:
  • Consistent quality between different batches or production runs
  • Standardized assessment criteria regardless of who conducts the test
  • Compliance with global CNH specifications and engineering standards

As a result, the CNH MTM0130 standard is essential for maintaining the performance, safety, and reliability of machinery. It plays a fundamental role in material validation, risk reduction, and quality assurance, helping to bring robust equipment to market that can withstand chemically aggressive operating conditions.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "CNH MTM0130 Material Test Methods - Continuous Heat Resistance, Paint Materials on Plastics" standard.